Music Therapy As Career Choice ChihChen Sophia Lee, PhD, LPMT MT-BC Director of Music Therapy Southwestern Oklahoma State University

What is Music Therapy? Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program—American Music Therapy Association (AMTA, 2005)

Populations Served by Music Therapist Source: AMTA 2017 Member Sourcebook, p. 15

Work Settings Served by Music Therapists Source: AMTA 2017 Member Sourcebook, p. 15

Age Groups Served by Music Therapist Source: AMTA 2017 Member Sourcebook, p. 16

What Music Therapists Do Providing Music Therapy Services and interdisciplinary programming (Co-Programs) Coordinating with other disciplines for clients’ treatment/care plan Therapeutic assessment, evaluation, and consultation Recreational music programming Extra duties as assigned (ex. Marketing, etc.)

Areas of Concerns Addressed in Music Therapy Communication Cognitive/Academic Skills Sensorimotor/Motor Skills Emotional Skills Social Skills Musical Skills

Personal Characteristics for Music Therapists Good Musician & Good Therapist! Good physical health Emotional stability Sincere interest in helping others Accept that rewards in a helping profession are intangible

Job Advancement for Music Therapists Activity Coordinator/Director Activity Therapist Adjunctive Therapist Case Manager Clinical Therapist Creative Arts Therapist Director/Administrator/Supervisor Expressive Arts Therapist (University) Faculty

Job Advancement for Music Therapists (Continued) Music Educator Music Specialist Music Therapist Other QMRP Recreation Therapist Rehabilitation Therapist Self-employed Special Educator

Music Therapists’ Salary by Region (2017) Salary Range Great Lakes $20,000-128,000 Mid-Atlantic $27,000-137,000 Midwestern $20,000-98,000 New England $28,000-150,000 Southeastern $24,000-102,000 Southwestern (OK: $45,333) $23,000-100,000 Western $27,000-108,000 Outside the U.S. $25,000-150,000

Preparatory/Certification Process Attending Music Therapy Programs Accredited by American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and National Association of School of Music (NASM)—4+yr. College Complete appx. 1040 hrs. (6-month) Music Therapy Internship Pass National Board Certification Exam for Music Therapists (Credential: MT-BC) In Oklahoma, apply for Licensed Professional Music Therapist (LPMT) at the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

Academic Preparation Prior to Majoring in Music Therapy Music (Major instrument, Keyboard/piano, Guitar, Voice, etc.) Biology/physiology Social studies/Psychology 2nd language

For Further Inquiry About Music Therapy, Please Contact : ChihChen Sophia Lee, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC Director of Music Therapy South Western Oklahoma State University 100 Campus Dr. Weatherford, OK 73096 Tel: (580) 774-3218 Fax: (580) 774-3714 Email: Sophia.lee@swosu.edu SWOSU MT Website: www.swosu.edu/music/therapy